Best Under Desk Bikes

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Under-Desk Bike vs Bike Desk

There are under-the-desk bikes, which are obviously compact enough to fit under a table or desk and there are also exercise bike desks, which is a bike with an attached desk. Both are great options which allow you to work (or just watch TV) and exercise simultaneously. There are many models, features, and options on the market today.

Each has it's own set of benefits, the basic difference is how much room you have. The under desk bike is perfect for those with an office job or who want small, portable exercise equipment in your own home or office. Under desk bikes, also known as under desk cycle, give you the ability to workout while sitting at your desk. The bike peddler isn't just for under the desk, some can be used ​as an arm workout on top of the desk or table. Some have bidirectional capability, so you can work opposing muscle groups. It can be used while sitting in any chair while you are reading, watching TV, playing video games, searching the internet etc.

A bike desk takes up more space, but gives you a more upright rather than recumbent position. Most stationary desk bikes are collapsible and can easily be moved out of the way. Most bike desks have storage compartments for everything you need to get work done while staying hydrated. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the page to see our top-choice bike desk.

Pros of Biking at a Desk

Exercising using an under-desk exercise bike improves your overall well-being. Attributes that can be improved include your mood, productivity, and energy. Pedaling does not interrupt work; rather it heightens creativity, improves mental alertness and fights depression. Under-desk bikes or bike desks can help keep those creative juices flowing while strengthening and toning muscles. It also is great if you tend to fidget, this gives you a way to release your squirming tendencies. There is no need for a special shoe to wear, just adjust the straps to your shoes (or feet) and pedal. Biking can also help you stay warm in a cold office. Since they're portable, you can also take them with you on vacation, or move them to the living room couch.

Under-desk exercise bikes are great for those who need physical therapy after a surgery or injury. It doesn't take up much room in your home and improves circulation. Mature users find it enjoyable and a good way to keep them active. Those with arthritis and chronic pain claim it helps. Patients who are in rehabilitation find that the recumbent position is easier on the joints, and offer a more natural body position with the backrest and lower seat height.

Cons of Biking at a Desk

Bike desks or under-desk bike peddlers are not the biggest calorie burners. However, they still burn more calories than just sitting. Some models are not quiet and might be disruptive to your coworkers. Desk exercise equipment is not meant to be an intense workout. Peddling while typing on a computer or writing can take some time to get comfortable doing two things at once. Under desk exercise bikes can cause you to sweat and it might not be the look you are going for while working at an office job. Unfortunately the better desk cycles are more expensive. Use at a lower resistance while working so it won't interrupt your work.

Pro Tips

You might have to adjust your chair or desk to get the correct and comfortable position with your under-desk bike.

Most all of the under-desk exercise bike have the ability to pedal backwards, therefore avoiding stress on the knees.

Don’t forget to up the resistance once you start to plateau.

They’re great for anyone recovering from a surgery or injury and who may need physical therapy.

The knee position is different when you are in a chair (directly over foot pedals) compared to sitting on a couch (recumbent bike position)

It takes a few days to get use to biking at a desk

Try not to sway while pedaling. Sit up straight and only use your legs while keeping your abdomen tight.

Best Under Desk Bike Reviews

1. Pedal Exerciser by Vive

Pedal Exerciser by Vive not only can be used under the desk for a leg workout, it can also be used on top of the desk for an arm workout. The compact and portable design allows it to fit under any desk at 12.5" high. The LCD screen shows calories burned, time, distance, RPM, and speed. The Pedal Exerciser has an adjustable tension knob, so the user can select their own resistance for pedaling. The pedals are 4" wide and made of non-slip rubber. The Pedal Exerciser has a low profile which keeps it from flipping. It weighs 12.7 pounds, 16" long, 13.75" wide, and 12.5" high.

What's to like about the Pedal Exerciser by Vive

The magnetic resistance makes for a smooth revolution, unlike the friction type of exercise bikes for under the desk. The Pedal Exerciser can be set up and assembled in 15 minutes or less. Users can place the unit on top of a desk and use it as an arm cycle as well. There is an easy-to-carry handle which allows the unit to be moved into different rooms and locations. Buyers have mentioned that the Pedal Exerciser was used for rehabilitation purposes in the comfort of their own home.

What's not to like about the Pedal Exerciser by Vive

The pedals are not designed for those with big feet, size 11 and up. Bigger feet tend to hit the ground as there is not enough clearance to make a full revolution. It's hard to tell what resistance you are on the knob function, there isn't any indicator as to what level one is using. The Pedal Exerciser doesn't always stay in place while peddling. The devise seems to slide away when serious peddling occurs.

PROS

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Designed for feet or hands

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Good for those needing physical therapy

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Easy to carry handle

CONS

Doesn't always stay in place

Not for shoe size 11 and up

Hard to tell resistance

2. Desk Cycle

Desk Cycle can be used bidirectionally. There is a 5-function 1,000 minute display that shows speed, time, distance, calories burned, and a scan option. Included with the Desk Cycle is an online calorie calculator and a desk display stand. There are 8 calibrated resistance levels. The dimensions of the desk cycle are 24", 20", 10" and weighs 23 pounds.

What's to like about the Desk Cycle

The Desk Cycle is bidirectional meaning it can be pedaled forwards or backwards. This is beneficial because it works the opposing muscle groups. The 20" front leg keeps the Desk Cycle from shifting during a workout. The desk display stand can be placed on your desk allowing for an easy reading of your LCD screen.

The Desk Cycle uses magnetic resistance which makes for a smooth and quiet pedaling motion. This device has more than twice the resistance compared to other under desk bikes. It also has large pedals with adjusting Velcro straps.

The Desk Cycle is the heaviest of the group, it would be ideal for someone if they plan on doing a more intense workout at a harder resistance. This device is for those with fitness goals in mind.

What's not to like about the Desk Cycle

This can be a little more expensive than other models, but has many more features. Some customers report that there is clicking or thumping sound when they use the unit, but it often goes away. It's hard to use on smooth floors because it slides away from the user while pedaling.

PROS

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Bidirectional capability

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Magnetic resistance

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2x the resistance as other desk cycles

CONS

More expensive than others

Sometimes a clicking noise

Can't use on smooth floors.

3. Portable Pedal Exerciser

Portable Pedal Exerciser is collapsible and works for both arms and legs. Like other models this also has a knob for a adjusting resistance. The Portable Pedal Exerciser is 9" high, 14.5" Wide, and 19" long. It weighs 6.6 pounds therefore very easy to take with you around your home or office. Easy to read LCD screen shows speed, calories burned, time, and RPM. Currently, the Portable Pedal Exerciser is available in silver and teal. This product uses belt tension instead of magnetic tension.

What's to like about the Portable Pedal Exerciser

The Portable Pedal Exerciser has a folding frame, making it easy for portability and storage. Assembly requires inserting a tension knob and unfolding the legs. The adjustable foot straps make it easy for other family members to use the bike peddler. The LCD screen is user-friendly and easy to read.

What's not to like about the Portable Pedal Exerciser

Users claim that the tension knob doesn't create much tension. The pedals of the Portable Pedal Exerciser aren't made of the strongest materials which cause issues after hard use. Since this model pedal exerciser is so light it tends to wobble and not remain in place like heavier under-desk bikes. The light-weight pedal exerciser is not for those who plan to use this for a serious workout, more of a leisurely movement or for rehabilitation purposes.

PROS

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Collapsable

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Portable

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Easy Assembly

CONS

Non-durable pedals

Not much resistance

Too light, causing to wobble

4. EXEFIT Mini Exercise Bike Desk

EXEFIT Mini Exercise Bike Desk can be used for leg and arm cycling. The LCD display shows calories burned, time elapsed, distance in meters, count of revolutions made, and total count of revolutions made by combined cycling sessions. Steel skeleton provides rigidity to the pedal exerciser. It's construction includes a resistance belt and flywheel. Comes in black or white and has a battery operated LCD display. It weighs 13.1 pounds is 13" high, 16" long and 13" wide. In order to pedal and use under a desk the suggested height from the tabletop to floor is 34", this also varies depending on your height.

What's to like about the EXEFIT Mini Exercise Bike Desk

The anti-slip rubber feet help keep the EXEFIT MIni Exercise Bike Desk in place. This safe and low impact workout is great for those recovering from injury or surgery. The Mini Exercise Bike takes minutes to assemble providing hours of enjoyment.

What's not to like about the EXEFIT Mini Exercise Bike Desk

Customers claim it's not as sturdy as they like, and the light weight of the unit doesn't aid in this problem. Pedaling is not smooth when it is set to a high resistance. Users claim the calorie counter is not accurate and that is hard to remember what each letter represents on the LCD display.

PROS

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Easy assembly

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Compact size, portable

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Can be used for arm or leg cycling

CONS

Not stable or sturdy

Pedaling not smooth at high resistance

Calorie counter not accurate

5. TODO Pedal Exerciser

TODO Pedal Exercier can be used for either as a foot peddler or arm cycling. It has an LCD monitor which tracks exercise time, revolution counter, Rounds per minute(RPM), calories burned and reset button. The TODO Pedal Exerciser is foldable, making it easy to store and move at office or around the home. An adjustable resistance knob is included. It comes in a variety of colors; blue, green, white, and orange. TODO Pedal Exerciser is 7 pounds, 34cm high, 53cm long, and 63cm wide. The pedals are 4" wide and has a belt drive and no flywheel. It also comes with a non-slip mat.

What's to like about the TODO Pedal Exerciser

The TODO Pedal Exerciser comes with large rubber pads which makes the unit more stable to use on any floor. It is able to fold when not in use. The adjustable pedal belt can be modified for different shoe sizes, the belt length is 11.5".

What's not to like about the TODO Pedal Exerciser

Unfortunately, there isn't much of a difference in the variation of the resistance knob. The pedals on the TODO Pedal Exerciser begin to squeak after hard use. Some users experience the peddler overheating causing the display to not work very well. Customers claim that the non-slip mat doesn't work and the device still slides around.

PROS

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Large rubber pads help with stability of unit

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Foldable and compact

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Cheap

CONS

Not much variation on tension knob

Can overheat from lots of pedaling

Non-slip mat doesn't work

BUYER'S GUIDE

LCD Screen

The LCD display feature allows the rider to time how long they have been riding, measure distance pedaled, speed, revolutions per minute (RPM), calories burned etc. These factors can aid the rider in achieving a certain goal they set for themselves; ie burning a certain number of calories in a day, riding for a specific distance or time. This is a great way to track your progress.

Weight

Believe it or not, the weight of a desk peddler bike is an important factor when considering purchase. The weight can provide stability to the unit and make for a smooth ride the more you increase the resistance. Contemplate how the exercise bike will be used; do you plan on moving it to different rooms in your house or keeping it in one spot? Do you plan to do intense workouts or just leisurely pedal while working or watching TV? A heavier under desk bike would be appropriate if you plan on a more intense workout or resistance and keeping it in one spot. A lighter desk peddler would be ideal for those using the unit for recovery, rehabilitation, or gentle riding. The lighter the device the easier it is to push away, and the heavier under desk peddlers will stay in place.

Magnetic vs Mechanical Tension

Tension provides the resistance necessary to make the peddling more or less difficult to give you a custom level workout. Mechanical resistance provides friction to moving parts which is attached to the pedals thus varying the selected intensity. It applies direct pressure causing friction on the pads which cause it to wear out and need replacement every 6-12 months.

Magnetic tension can be found in more expensive models. In these, magnetic breaks oppose the direction of the flywheel to create resistance while pedaling. When the level of resistance is increased, the magnets are moved closer to the flywheel. The magnetic flywheels last long and require less maintenance.

F.A.Q.

Where can I use my exercise bike peddler?

You can use it anywhere you have a place to sit. You can use it in your home while watching TV, playing video games, talking on the phone, reading a book, surfing the internet etc. It can also be used at your office desk, cubical. Some models are light and compact enough that you can take it to and from your office or home, you could also bring it on vacation.

Are they electric or battery operated?

There is no need to plug in any of the under desk bikes. The LCD screens are frequently battery operated. Depending on the model batteries may or not be included.

Is it distracting while working?

A leisurely pedal won't distract, but rather improves mood, productivity, and creativity. Higher resistance tends to take more focus. It takes a few days to get use to typing and riding at the same time.

FINAL VERDICT

The verdict is in! The Desk Cycle is rated a 4.6 out of 5 stars and provides features that those in an office or home setting are searching for. The Desk Cycle is best if you are looking for added resistance and the ability to intensify your workout. It is bidirectional allowing you to work opposing muscle groups. Magnetic resistance provides a smooth and quiet ride. This under-desk bike is better for those who want it for fitness over rehabilitation use.

Bike Desk

If an under desk peddler isn't your idea of a serious workout while getting work done, then a desk bike would be your choice. Below is Exercise Bike Judge's top pick for a desk bike, the Exerpeutic ExerWork. Desk Bikes are the ultimate work station. It keeps all of your necessary items close-by while you are working at your ​station.

The Exerpeutic ExerWork 1000 weighs 64.7 pounds, is 45" long, 51" wide, and 25" high. Able to fold and moved into any room.

Foldable

Value For Money

Possible Configurations

Semi-Recumbent

What We Like

Sliding Desktop is 16"x 24"

Storage Drawer

Semi recumbent/ folding

What We Don't Like

Faulty Parts

Uncomfortable Seat

Not for people under 5'2" or over 6'3"

The sliding desktop also has several angles to which it can be adjusted and 5 different heights. The desktop has a padded arm rest and 2 cup-holders. The desktop also features a storage drawer so you don't have to leave your seat. Exerpeutic ExerWork has the cushioned backrest of a recumbent bike and the position of an upright bike, with foldable capabilities. LCD display monitoring speed, time, distance, calories burned, odometer, and pulse. The pulse reader is located on the handles on either side of the cushioned seat. Other nice-to-haves include floor leveling stabilizers and a powder-coated steel frame.

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